Violence Has No Place in Navajo Leadership

(Published June 4, 2026 - Navajo Times)

By Frank Dayish, Jr. Candidate for the Navajo Nation President

Frank Dayish Jr, June 2026

 There are times when saying nothing is not the right thing to do.

  The past two weeks, I have tried to stay focused on the future of the Navajo Nation, our economy, our families, our veterans, our culture, our young people, and the stability our government needs at this time. But toda

y, domestic violence and aggressive behavior have dominated public conversation in spaces like Facebook, Tik Tok, and Instagram.

  I will say this clearly: Violence, threats, intimidation, and uncontrolled anger are not signs of leadership.  They are warning signs.

  The Navajo presidency is not just another job. It is a sacred public responsibility.  The person who holds that office must represent all of our people—our elders, children, veterans, workers, mothers, grandmothers, families living both on and off the Navajo Nation, and the entire LGBTQ+ community.  When someone seeks that office, the people have a right to ask: Can this person remain calm under pressure? Can this person treat others with respect?  Can this person model behavior we want our children to learn?

  Domestic violence is not just a private matter.  It is a public health issue.  It is a family issue.  It is a justice issue.  I know because I worked in many sectors across the Navajo Nation that has been impacted by the high rates of domestic violence.

  For too long, too many of our families have carried this pain quietly.  Many of us know a family that has been affected.  Many of us know someone who has lived with fear inside their home.  Some people still do not talk about it because they are ashamed, afraid, and believe nothing will be done.

  I do not speak harshly to people or go off the handle.  I do not believe leadership is proven by volume, anger, or intimidation.   Leadership is proven by patience, discipline, and respect.  

  I do not condone domestic violence or aggressive behavior towards women, children, elders, relatives, employees, voters, online commentators, or anyone else.

  When I speak about stability, I do not mean only government stability. I mean family stability. I mean emotional and leadership stability that fosters calm, steady leadership. One that does not bring more chaos into public life.

  The Navajo Nation needs leadership that lowers the temperature, not leadership that raises it.

  If given the opportunity, as President, I will continue to advocate for survivors of violence.  I will work to strengthen domestic violence services, improve coordination between law enforcement and family programs, support prevention education efforts, especially in schools, and make sure that survivors are treated with dignity.  We must enhance the programs we already have.We must make sure people in our communities know where to go for help.  

  To every survivor of domestic violence, I believe you. I support you. You deserve respect.  You deserve leaders who understand that violence inside the home becomes violence in the community if we ignore it.

  The Navajo Nation has had enough instability.  We have had enough division and public anger.

  Our people deserve better.

  In Dine’ life, women are sacred. Our teachings remind us that women are central to family and the continuation of our people.  We do not come from a tradition that teaches men to disrespect women.  We come from teachings that call us to be respectful and follow the Hozho path.

  I was taught to respect women and fellow human beings.  I was taught that how you treat people says more about you than any title you hold.

  Those values have guided me throughout my life.

  We deserve steady, respectful leadership that understands that the home is where the Nation begins.

I am running because of the important issues of jobs, housing, water, health care, education, veterans, language, land, and our economy.  But I believe in character and the Navajo people not only must trust the person that is representing them, but the person must have discipline, humility, and respect for all people. 

NOTE: Frank Dayish, Jr. served for the U.S. Marine and as Navajo Nation Vice President from 2002-2006. He has worked for BHP, NASA, and served as CEO for Navajo Housing Authority and the Indian Health Service's Kayenta Service Unit. He has been married for nearly 40 years andhe founded his own auto parts store in Shiprock, NM.